one for the mineral sunscreen lovers
Foreword
Caudalie, my favorite French skincare brand, recently launched their first sunscreen in North America. I am excited to see what they have in store for us this time.
Curious? Then please keep on scrolling
My Skin: dry, sensitive
About the Product
Caudalie Vinosun Protect Daily Mineral Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50 (39 USD; Made in USA) - is described as a silicone-free mineral sunscreen, that offers protection from UVA and UVB rays. It also promises to brighten and nourish the skin.
Packaging: if you are familiar with the brand, then you may recognize this (now) iconic bright yellow design for their suncare line. The Vinosun Protect Daily Mineral Sunscreen comes in a sleek plastic bottle. It is portable and travel-friendly. I love that the expiry date is printed on the bottle (something that all brands should do). In total, you get 50 ml/ 1.7 fl oz worth of product.
Recyclable ♻️
Formula: now, this might be the juiciest bit of the review. The standout feature of the Vinosun Protect Daily Mineral Sunscreen is that it is made with 100% non-nano Zinc Oxide, and is entirely Silicone-free. It is non-comedogenic and suitable for sensitive skin types.
The formula is water-based and heavy on Zinc Oxide 21.1%. It is also rich in Propanediol (skin-smoothing emollient), Niacinamide (offers protection, brightening, and helps build protein in the skin), Palmitoyl Grapevine Shoot Extract (a brand-exclusive skin-brightening ingredient derived from grapes), Sunflower Seed Oil (skin protection, antioxidant), Citric Acid (antioxidant that brightens and smoothes skin texture) and more. Toward the end (lower concentration) you get ingredients like Glycerin (humectant, occlusive layer), Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Squalene (hydration), and Aloe Barbadenis Leaf Juice (soothing).
The wild card is Caramel. Yes, it is part of the formulation, which sounds oddly delicious. However, I suspect it was used as a natural colorant to add the tint.
Vegan🌱 Cruelty-free🐇 Gluten-free🌾Reef Safe🪸
Texture: runny, "rich" milk consistency. It becomes quite balmy as you work it into the skin. Initially, there is a bit of a white cast left, but the added tint helps to even it out.
Scent: none.
Finish: dewy, glowing skin. Neither sticky nor greasy; but it can be a bit tacky (depending on the amount applied).
Application: considering the Vinosun Protect Daily Mineral Sunscreen is a mineral sunscreen, it needs to be warmed up and almost massaged into the skin so it spreads and sets evenly. Make sure to give it a very good shake.
Most mineral formulations can accentuate dryness or texture, so I would also suggest not skipping night-time exfoliation, especially if you want to wear makeup on top of your sunscreen. Having said that, the Vinosun Protect Daily Mineral Sunscreen is the only mineral sunscreen that does not highlight any of the drier areas on my face like crazy, but it can slightly cling onto some. A bit of the brand's Deep Exfoliating Cleanser saves the day.
This formula works well with other skincare or makeup products. Additionally, it does not sting on the skin after the use of actives like Retinol for example, which is great news for those, who like to indulge in some.
Wear: the Vinosun Protect Daily Mineral Sunscreen wears comfortably throughout the day. It gets quite dewy though, so I have to skip moisturizer and wear it alone (especially with makeup). It does not pill, sting, or burn. I usually remove it with the brand's Vinoclean Makeup Removing Cleansing Oil and any liquid cleanser I have at the moment.
Verdict
Whenever there is a new sunscreen on the market, I have to try it. There are so many good things about this new Caudalie family member. I love the innovation, use of skin-loving ingredients, and sustainability aspect of this product. The Vinosun Protect Daily Mineral Sunscreen must be the nicest mineral formulation I have tried thus far and I am saying this as someone, who only wears chemical sunscreens. Compared to other known French pharmacy mineral sunscreens, it is much lighter and enjoyable. I prefer it on my no-makeup days, especially if I know I am going to spend more time outdoors. Specifically for my swimming sessions, with chlorine attacking my face, the skin does not feel overly dry afterward. I do hope the brand will create an oil-free version of this sunscreen, which might work even better for people with combo/oily skin types. Other than that, a well-deserved B+.
More online:
sephora.com (US)
PR sample; full disclaimer here
